Chapter 405: You've Never Seen It, So You Don't Understand
Chapter 405: You’ve Never Seen It, So You Don’t Understand
The first-round matchups have been announced!
Everyone examines their assigned opponents—some beam with excitement, while others grimace or scowl.
“Ugh, I’m doomed!”
“My opponent’s Wang Hailong—the Sss-Rank Genius freshman? How am I supposed to fight him?”
Xia Lian wails, her face twisted in despair. The others shoot her sympathetic glances.
Wang Hailong, one of the five Sss-Rank Geniuses, may be a freshman, but he’s already showcased his extraordinary innate talent. Though he’ll turn eighteen in two months, he’s already broken through to the Fifth Realm’s Organ Cultivation Stage. Among the 181 prodigies, his strength ranks within the top 50. Since joining the Heavenly Dome Institute, his performances have even outshone contemporaries like Chu Yu, who now grins eagerly at facing a junior-year opponent.
“Now, let the first match’s competitors step forward!”
As Xu Wenji finishes announcing, their holographic projection dissolves into nothingness.
From the Audience Stand, two figures erupt into crimson light pillars, soaring into the air before landing on the vast arena.
First up: Xia Lian versus Wang Hailong.
The arena shifts into a crumbling, ruinous wasteland. The two stand on cracked concrete, facing off.
As the automated voice declares the match’s start, the battle erupts instantly.
Boom!!
The moment the fight begins, terrifying auras engulf both fighters. Wang Hailong and Xia Lian’s skin glow with vivid blue and green patterns respectively, their opposing powers surging.
Clang!!
They clash at blinding speed, but the fight doesn’t last long.
Xia Lian swings her sword against Wang Hailong’s Blue Greatsword, but a monstrous force slams into her—a pure, overwhelming strength. Under this torrential pressure, her body flies backward uncontrollably.
The next instant, a cold glint flashes—a spear tip, sheathed in flowing blue water, pierces straight through her chest.
[Match 1: Wang Hailong (Freshman) Wins!]
Wang Hailong returns to the arena as the system announces his victory. A smirk tugs at his lips:
“Too weak. A typical sophomore S-Rank Awakened Genius isn’t even a challenge.”
“Maybe Yu Zhuoran, once he masters his Minor Divine Ability, could push me a bit. Only Lin Qi deserves to be my opponent!”
Back on the Audience Stand, Xia Lian mutters bitterly, “Wang Hailong’s just too strong… We’re not even on the same level.”
Watching the fight, Lin Qi gauges Wang Hailong’s strength. His opponent has already reached the Fifth Realm, and his Martial Spirit Techniques, at Fourth-Circle, trail only Lin Qi’s own. Their abilities are surprisingly close. A decent rival.
The Azure Firmament Grand Tournament continues. With no restrictions, competitors unleash a dazzling array of Special Abilities: Crimson Flame, Flowing Water, Golden Edge, Heavy Earth, Rapid Wind, Lightning, Frost—their clashing forces leave Lin Qi awestruck.
He observes that Awakened Geniuses wield these powers exceptionally well. Most have mastered the Five Elements Boxing, amplifying their Combat Power by at least 1.5 times. Yet no one, himself included, has reached the Perfection Stage.
The Adamantine Body Fist’s final move—the elusive “Unity Return”—remains ungrasped. It may take time.
“[Match 10, competitors step forward!]”
The system’s voice snaps Lin Qi from his thoughts. He rises, then ascends in a crimson light pillar to the arena.
Boom!!
As the light fades, a gentle breeze stirs the cracked concrete. Kong Ruoxuan stands before him, clad in a sleek blue battle suit, her longsword gleaming with icy light. Her figure flows like water, soft yet unyielding.
“Lin Qi, this is our first duel,” she says, voice steady. “I’ll learn the gap between us.”
Swinging her blade, she sinks into a stance, her aura coiling like gathering storm clouds.
[Countdown Sequence: 3, 2, 1...]
[Match 10 officially begins!]
The system’s voice booms overhead. Lin Qi, dressed in black, grips his Black Long Spear and replies, “You’ll feel it soon!”
Boom!!
Both release their Special Abilities simultaneously, their auras erupting like twin supernovas. The clash ignites the arena.
On the Audience Stand, blue-clad Wan Ming exhales, watching the pair. “Brother Qi’s power’s skyrocketed since learning the Adamantine Body Fist. His control over Special Abilities is insane now.”
“How many moves do you think Kong Ruoxuan’ll last?”
Xia Lian, recovered from her loss, guesses, “Three!”
Yu Zhuoran counters, “Two!”
A nearby student from Minghai Martial Institute scoffs, “You guys are overrating Lin Qi. He’s strong, but Ruoxuan’s no pushover!”
Others from their school nod in agreement. Wan Ming shakes his head:
“You’ve never seen Lin Qi fight. You wouldn’t get it.”
They’d witnessed Yu Zhuoran’s brutal defeat against Lin Qi. The spectator doubts Kong Ruoxuan’s odds—Three moves? No way.
Suddenly, the ruined arena quakes with rising winds, the air thickening as the two fighters’ auras collide.
Kong Ruoxuan’s body radiates blue light, her skin glowing with intricate patterns. The air grows damp, droplets forming as if after rain.
Hua hua!!
She raises her hand—a ripple distorts the air. Instantly, countless water droplets condense, weaving into crystalline streams that dance like serpents. With a flick of her wrist, the water coalesces into thick, surging columns, striking from all directions like monstrous water snakes.
At the same time, Kong Ruoxuan herself darts forward, her sword sheathed in water, slicing like a liquid blade.
Weng weng!!
Lin Qi activates his Special Ability—Golden Edge.
Golden blades erupt around him, whirling like razor-edged cyclones. Channeling his Spiritual Power, he fuses them into a colossal golden scythe, roaring toward Kong Ruoxuan.
Adamantine Body Fist—Thousand Shadows!
A technique splitting and concentrating Golden Edge’s power.
Peng!!
Mid-air, the two forces collide.
The water serpents and golden blades detonate violently, shockwaves rippling the arena like storm-churned waves. Gale-force winds roar across the battlefield.
In moments, the water snakes split, shredded by golden edges. The water scatters like rain. Meanwhile, the golden blades storm toward Kong Ruoxuan.
Peng peng peng!!
Kong Ruoxuan’s body shrouds in a thin veil of water, absorbing the blades’ fury.
Dang dang!!
She slashes her sword, releasing Vital Force to counter the golden storm.
Too strong!
Her expression hardens, heart pounding. She hadn’t expected his ranged attack to crumble her defense instantly. The gap in ability—and power—is staggering.
Zhu—!
Lin Qi vanishes. A black lightning bolt. Vital Force flows like endless water, his Black Long Spear sheathed in golden light, vibrating fiercely.
Chi—!
The spear tip flickers, tearing air with golden brilliance.
River and Mountain Spear Techniques—Flowing Water Pierce!
Kong Ruoxuan sees only cold light.
Pu—!
Her chest explodes in pain—the spear pierces through.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
